Career Narratives Shape What Happens Next
Is it really a self-fulfilled prophecy? Are you working for a career? Is your career working for you? Consciously or not, career narratives may be shaping your future.
When I go to the meeting today, no one will listen.
This is too expensive; the customer will never go for it.
I’m not getting promoted because no one see’s my value.
If any, or all of those are in your head, you might be limiting your own career.
There are thousands of other examples of the narrative people recite to themselves and the associated outcomes.
That narrative is a prediction of the future. Often a fairly accurate prediction because somehow, people allow it to unfold exactly as it was created in their mind.
There is a good chance it is based on past experiences. Even second hand experiences. Across time, these experiences have a way of stacking. They add up.
Conclusions about career directions may be true or false. Accurate or a complete insecurity.
How it all plays out, is often exactly as you predicted.
Career Narratives
If someone suggests, “You can’t be successful doing that.” You just might believe them. Of course, another route may be to prove them wrong.
The difference then is what is in your head. It is the narrative that you have created or accepted.
Every career has a narrative. It’s built from experiences, learning, and is largely invented. That is, until you bring it to fruition.
Since it is your career, you have the responsibility for its creation.
It is a great story.
If you want it to be.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
